Located in Jefferson Parish, Metairie, Louisiana is located near the bustling New Orleans. Metairie is the largest community in Jefferson Parish, and an excellent place to call home. Those moving to Metairie will discover an area dedicated to communities, packed with culture and diversity.
History:
The French first settled Metairie in the 1760s along an area known as Metairie Ridge, a natural levee formed by an ancient branch of the Mississippi River, which flowed through modern day River Ridge, Metairie, Gentilly and New Orleans. An electric streetcar was installed running along Metairie Road in the late 1910s, opening the area to greater development. Upscale housing tracts were constructed off the road in the 1920s; this area is now known as "Old Metairie." It is today the most prestigious area of Metairie. The areas to the north and northwest of Metairie Road were not developed until after World War II. The land between Metairie Ridge and Lake Pontchartrain, which was cypress swamps and marshlands, was drained with the Wood pump. With this new land, Metairie's population grew in the 1940s as a result of cheaper land, lower taxes, and larger lots than in Orleans Parish. In 1990, Metairie made history by electing white supremacist David Duke to the Louisiana state legislature for a single term. Hurricane Katrina caused a new migration from Orleans Parish. This migration resulted from the need of housing. It has been a racially neutral migration, with equal numbers of black and white residents moving to Jefferson Parish.Veterans Boulevard was laid out alongside a drainage canal, and became a commercial center of the region. The Central Business District of Metairie is located on Causeway Blvd near Lake Ponchartrain. Metairie also has one of the handful of major malls located in the New Orleans metro area. Lakeside Shopping Center is the highest grossing mall in the New Orleans metropolitan area. In the 1970s and early 1980s, an area of bars and nightclubs opened in a section of Metairie known as "Fat City." Metairie has a large Mardi Gras season that touts itself as a more family-friendly version of the New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Economy:
The area's economy is dominated by four major sectors: oil/gas and related activities, tourism, the port and ship/boat building and aerospace manufacturing. The presence of universities, hospitals, legal/accounting and other professional services, together with key installations of the U.S. Navy and other military operations in the region adds further to its diversified economic base. Tourism continues to be the driving force of New Orleans' economy. In a city with more than 10 million visitors annually, the hospitality business supplies more than 66,000 jobs in the service sector such as accommodations and restaurants. Some of the area's largest private employers are shipbuilding firms, where workers build and repair vessels for the U.S. Navy, merchant fleets and cruise ship lines. The New Orleans region is also a major transportation hub and a leader in production of crude oil and natural gas processing facilities.
Tourism:
Head over to the National World War II Museum. This museum focuses on the remembrance and celebration of the American Spirit, teamwork, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served during World War II. Next, the St. Louis Cathedral is the major landmark of the French Quarter is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S. For family fun, pack up and head to the Audubon Zoo for a day of fun with some of the planet's most interesting creatures. There you can take a worldwide safari through Asia, Africa, Australian Outback and the Louisiana Swamp to view more than 1,500 animal species. Finally, head down to the French Quarter. The heart and cultural center of New Orleans, the French Quarter offers diverse architecture, music, street performers, renowned jazz clubs, lively nightlife and the finest art galleries and restaurants in the city. Of course, if you are there in town at the right time, Metairie host large annual Mardi Gras celebrations for you and your to enjoy.